“Un deporte bien organizado, bien llevado, construye comunidad y brinda alternativas sanas para los niños y jóvenes,” Carlos Peña said. Archery leaders in Colombia’s Tolima department are moving to create a formal departmental league, a push triggered by 12-year-old Luciana Peña Rodríguez’s two medals at regional championships in Cali, Ecos del Combeima reported.

Peña Rodríguez, who represents the Black Arrow Archery club of Ibagué, captured bronze in the classification round and silver in the individual matches of the recurve bow, women’s under-12 novices category at the Andean Zone Regional Championship and Regional Final held in Cali, Valle del Cauca, from October 21 to 25, 2026, according to Ecos del Combeima. La-region.com identified the medalist as the 12-year-old Peña Rodríguez.

From Cali results to a Tolima league

The initiative to form the Liga de Tiro con Arco del Tolima is being driven by Carlos Peña, athletes and coaches, including Professor Daniel Barbosa, who has been working alongside parents to assemble the requirements and documents needed to secure accreditation from the corresponding entities, Ecos del Combeima reported. The call comes directly after the results posted by Black Arrow athletes in Cali.

#Deportes Los resultados obtenidos por Luciana Pena Rodríguez en Cali representan una oportunidad para seguir fortaleciendo el tiro con arco en el departamento del Tolima. #TolimaOnlinehttps://t.co/KhYfvGL4Vd pic.twitter.com/l7wZr0kdtg

— https://x.com/TolimaOnline/status/2115131700061802755

For families, the medals reflect the potential that exists across the department and the importance of a structured sports organization to support the growth of new talent. One club parent told Ecos del Combeima that archery goes far beyond competition results, building values such as discipline, self-control, patience, concentration and responsibility. “Es una actividad deportiva que forma mucho más que arqueros,” the parent said, adding that the practice also promotes respect for teammates, other competitors and the environment, along with teamwork and safety.

Institutions called to support the league

Carlos Peña said the four days of competition allowed him to observe the level of organization and preparation in other sports programs, as well as identify the capabilities of the children and young people representing Tolima. He called on sports entities, educational institutions, the Gobernación del Tolima, the Alcaldía de Ibagué and private companies to join the consolidation of the league through institutional support, training, courses, sponsorships, logistics and technical accompaniment.

Peña also thanked IMDRI for facilitating practice spaces at the Parque Deportivo and the stadium in Ibagué, and asked that these efforts be complemented with new backing. La-region.com added that the Cali results represent an opportunity to keep strengthening archery in the department by developing training venues, expanding access to sports equipment and supporting formation processes.

Paperwork underway for recognition

Families and coach Daniel Barbosa are currently advancing the paperwork to meet the requirements that will allow the league to obtain official recognition. The stated purpose is to strengthen the sports process and open more opportunities for those who find in archery an alternative for formation and development, Ecos del Combeima reported. La-region.com noted that consolidating and recognizing the Tolima Archery League could also strengthen the organization of the discipline, widen participation in competitions and open new possibilities for athletes.